Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing his supporters at Mukuyu area, Kiharu, Murang’a, on 17 May, 2025. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua/X
By Newsflash Reporter
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to publicly declare which political faction he supports, urging him to stop “fence-sitting” amid rising political tension in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Mukuyu area, Kiharu constituency, Murang’a County, Gachagua addressed local residents and openly called out Nyoro, who has remained politically silent.
The former deputy president told the youthful MP that the time had come for him to reveal where his loyalty lies — either with President William Ruto or with the Mt Kenya region’s emerging political bloc.
“Your son, Ndindi Nyoro is my friend. He was kicked out (as National Assembly Budget Committee Budget Chairperson). We want him to tell us, which side is he subscribing to? There are two sides; Kasongo’s (William Ruto) side and the community (Mt Kenya’s) side. We want my friend Ndindi Nyoro to tell us: Is he on Kasongo’s side or the community’s side?” Gachagua asked the crowd.
Ndindi’s silence raises questions
Ndindi was removed from his influential position as the Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee in March. The role was handed to Alego-Usonga MP Sam Atandi, a known ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga. The move was seen by political observers as a reshuffle driven by internal alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Since his ouster, Nyoro has remained noticeably silent regarding his political allegiance. His non-committal stance has sparked speculation within political circles, especially in Mt Kenya, where divisions have begun to surface over support for President Ruto’s administration and the region’s future political direction.
Read more:What next for Ndindi Nyoro?
Gachagua’s remarks signal increasing frustration among leaders from the Mountain who feel that unity is key for the region’s bargaining power going forward.
With subtle political rifts widening between factions supporting Ruto and those advocating for an independent Mt Kenya voice, leaders like Gachagua have become more vocal about consolidating the region’s support base.
Call to rally behind the region
“It has reached a time for us people of the Mountain when pushed to the corner, anyone who calls himself a leader to decide whether s/he will stand with the community,” Gachagua said, reinforcing his call for regional solidarity.
“In that regard, I implore my young brother Ndindi Nyoro, I love you, come and stand with Mt Kenya’s community,” he added, in a move seen as both an appeal and a warning to the Kiharu MP.
While Nyoro did not respond to Gachagua’s statements during the event, his next political move is likely to be closely watched, particularly by Mt Kenya leaders eager to redefine their post-2022 political identity.
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